The investigators hypothesize that octreotide LAR (Long Acting Release) safely decreases GI bleeding in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Patients undergoing implantation of non-pulsatile, continuous-flow LVAD have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a significantly associated morbidity and can threaten a patient's life as well as their ability to undergo eventual heart transplantation secondary to both general health/strength and the potential development of antibodies to blood products that would make future transfusions and transplantations more difficult.

If this research finds that use of octreotide LAR can decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in this patient population, it will revolutionize the manner in which these patients are managed. The finding of reduced GI bleeding would allow the patient to have less exposure to blood products, reduce hospitalizations, and ensure that subsequent transplant planning not be delayed. This would not only be of great benefit to the patient, but would significantly decrease health-care costs through preventive measures.

The goal of this project is to study whether the regular administration of monthly octreotide LAR is safe and if it will decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients undergoing implantation of non-pulsatile, continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD).

Once enrolled in the study subjects will receive a monthly intra-muscular injection of 20mg of octreotide LAR at each study visit for 24 weeks and will be followed for a total of 36 weeks.

Drug: Octreotide LAR Depot

The subject will be seen in clinic every 4 weeks (+/- 4 days) through week 24. During weeks 25-36 the subject will receive a telephone call every 4 weeks +/- 4 days, from the research nurse to assess for changes occurring after the study drug was stopped. Subjects will receive a physical exam and interview at each visit to assess for any sign of GI bleeding at home as per standard protocol for HeartMate II patients and for potential drug related side effects. Labs collected for research will include monthly basic metabolic panel (BMP), complete blood count (CBC), fructosamine and quarterly HGbA1C , VEGF, vWF, vWF activity assay, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), platelet function test and fibrinogen. Subjects will receive their monthly injection while in clinic for their every 4 weeks appointment. The subjects will be followed and data will be collected for 36 weeks, or for as long as they are enrolled in the study.

Hx of chronic diarrhea - as determined by history of loose stool lasting longer than 2-4 weeks

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Inability to provide informed consent

Incarceration or otherwise a ward of the state

Non-English speaking

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01707225